A great big thank you very much to everyone that r/r/c's on my ops. No I'm still not totally back, j...
A great big thank you very much to everyone that r/r/c's on my ops. No I'm still not totally back, just had a spurt of inspiration, will carry on hovvering about in the background, where I belong, a bit longer :oP
Member since:08.10.2002
Reviews:90
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I have just finished reading this book, not only so I could rewrite this op, but because it is one of my favourite stories.
As I had seen the film (Jack Nicholson version) before reading the book for the first time, I was doubtful if I would enjoy it as much as I loved the film. If possible I love the book more, as it seemed more personal when reading and of course there is a lot more in the book than the film, some bits are even completely different, but this isn't my opinion on the book v.'s the film so I will stop comparing them now (apart from saying the book is way way way better) :oP
The plot ******* First you get to know a bit about the main characters,
Jack Torrance - Alcoholic, sacked from his job as a teacher, even though he has given up alcohol, it is never far away from his mind and he had done some questionable things in the past. Wants to start a fresh life by finishing his play that he has been planning for ages.
Wendy Torrance - Loving wife, although when her husband was at worse drinking phase wanted a divorce, but has given him another chance. She is
a bit jealous of the bond that Jack and Danny have and sometimes feels a bit of an outsider.
Danny Torrance (The main man or boy rather)- Their psychic son. He can see things before they happen and can see into his parents mind. He is guided by Tony, who his parents just think of as an invisible friend. He really wants to learn to read (he's only 5) so he can find out what some of the signs that Tony shows him says. Danny loves his parents a lot, but is closer to his father
Jack is offered a job as caretaker in The Overlook Hotel by his old drinking buddy that is a shareholder in the place, and thinks this will be the ideal place to start things over. The hotel is up the mountains so it is closed during the winter period, as it is snowed in, but still needs someone there to heat the rooms, mend broken roofing, keep it clean, etc. The previous caretaker went mad and killed his wife, daughters and them himself, in what they assume was a bout of cabin fever. Even after being told all this John takes up the offer and him and his family move in on the closing day of the hotel.
Danny's powers are spotted by Mr Hallorann, the cook and as someone else with these powers has a little chat about some of the bad things that have happened in the hotel over the years and is worried about the boys presence in the hotel. He is the one that calls their gift "Shining" hence the title. And has told Danny if at any time he needs him to just call him telepathically.
The hotel itself seems to have a few ghosts running about. Not just that of the ex-caretaker and his family, but it seems that everyone that ever died there hasn't left. Also in its past it has been the hangout for mobsters and other shady people. Jack becomes fascinated by the Overlooks history after finding a scrapbook in the basement, where he had to go to each day as the boiler pressure had a habit of creeping up if left unattended. He fascination becomes an obsession and he slowly changes and starts seeing things, but puts it down to just needing a drink. Danny is also seeing things too, and poor Wendy is just confused by it all.
Once the snow comes in full and they are basically cut off from the outside world, the hotel comes into its own. I won't tell you anymore, as I don't want to spoil it.
***********************
The book is unputdownable, you wait on each page for some new twist that you know must be coming and when it does come, it still catches you by surprise. Maybe it's just me as a King fan, or maybe this is one of the best suspense, horror , paranormal and in places funny, ghost stories ever written.
King seems to like writing about fellow authors, suppose it is best to stick with what you know. He describes the characters really well and by the time they get to The Overlook, you seem to know them like old friends. Even the smaller characters are well described, right down to the greasy Hotel manager, you can almost feel his sweaty palms when he shakes hands. Even the Overlook itself is described in beautiful detail, and quite frankly the film doesn't do it justice.
He once said that a lot of his stories come from dreams he has had! Nightmares more like! But where ever they come from this is surely his best book.
If you have never read a Stephen King book and you aren't the kind that hides during the scary bits in films read this book soon, you will never regret it.
And if you have already read King books and not read this one.. why not?
Whoops almost forgot the prices (seeing as mine is ancient). The RRP is £7.99, on Amazon it is £6.39 for a new one or 70p for an used one.... and I did see it in a charity shop for 20p the other day.. and of course it is free if you get it from a library (as long as you take it back on time that is!) :oP
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: The mix of claustrophobia, remoteness, the supernatural, and the compelling personalites of the characters and hotel is potent. Disadvantages: I really, really mean - leave this alone unless you WANT to be scared. Really.
Advantages: Stephen King's claim to fame ; Superb atmosphere ; Sublime plot ; A vivid imagination that stretches all supernatural boundaries ; Probably responsible for some of the best horror films of the 70's and 80's Disadvantages: Some unessesary background in the first half ; Kubrik mucked up the story too much ; Could have been much more
Advantages: Stephen king's first and one of his best novels,a sweet and sad tale of pain and sweet vengeance,clever twists and dialogue,excellent Disadvantages: NONE
darkangelwing 30.08.2005 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
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